Thousands of dollars in donations and a lot of public awareness were the goals as the Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. held its annual sleepout for the homeless on Dec. 1.The Sigmas, along with community volunteers, sleep out each December on the Zeta Phi Beta Sigma plot – tolerating the conditions that people in Greensboro’s homeless community face on an everyday basis. The event also recognizes organizations that provide shelter and care to homeless families and individuals.In its 10th year, the sleepout for the homeless always seems to affect people and make them realize that there are less fortunate people in the world by its graphic simulation of the living conditions for the homeless. The Sigmas do this by choosing the night with the most adverse condition. “We pick the coldest night of the year, so we have to endure the cold and winds,” said Tyrone Aiken.Joining Phi Beta Sigmas in their effort to bring attention to the issue of homelessness in the Triad is the Greensboro Urban Ministry. Over the last 14 years, the Greensboro Urban Ministry has served over one million of the Triad’s homeless. Just last year, the ministry served 200,000 people. Those statistics reveals two things: the homeless situation in Greensboro and surrounding areas is staggering and the ministry is just what this project needs. According to the ministry’s statistics, the main demographics of the homeless are 70 percent single black men, 10 percent of women with children.With that in mind, Phi Beta Sigma knew that it had a partner in the Urban Ministry to fight this situation.”Phi Beta Sigma had the mission to be the leading proactive community service organization that focused on those issues that affect African-American males,” said Aiken. “We recognized that we needed more service outside of A&T because our impact on our community could be better.” The event is expected to garner thousands of dollars in food, clothing and other donations to benefit the Greensboro Urban Ministry.